WORK to create a £70,000 concrete footpath across Perranporth's beach ground to a halt during last week's high tide.

Workmen had to down tools on the scheme, which aims to make the beach more accessible to wheelchair users and those with pushchairs, after water flooded the site.

Parish councillor Alan Ratcliffe, who is heading the project, said it had been delayed by several weeks.

"We knew there would be high tides but decided to press on. All of the (concrete) base has been pinned to the bedrock with resin and stainless steel," he said.

"It has just washed sand into the hole. The workmen will dig out the sand once the tide has dropped. Everything is on schedule and on time."

But local resident Ian Hampton has raised concerns about sand blocking the path once it has been constructed.

He wrote on the Please Listen Perranzabuloe Parish Council Facebook site: "When the path is finished, who is going to maintain it? Who is going to clear the sand away from it to allow the access required for wheelchair users?

"This year, on more than one occasion I have taken a shovel and cleared the steps of clogged-up sand but surely this should be the responsibility of the council?

"If they cannot be bothered to maintain the steps what chance the path?"

But Mr Ratcliffe said the path would remain clear of sand during the busy summer season, when high tides do not occur, and said it would be cleared at other times when necessary.